How to Avoid Costly Home Addition Mistakes



Adding onto your home is an exciting venture, but one that calls for thoughtful planning to avoid costly pitfalls. In this complex endeavor, every detail counts. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Elizabethtown is here to guide you through the process, helping you sidestep common mistakes that could otherwise drain your finances and stay within your overall bathroom cost or home renovation budget. 

Popular Home Addition Types

Before we dive into the costly mistakes you must avoid when making a home addition, let’s talk about the most popular home additions.

  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Also known as in-law units or guest houses, ADUs are self-contained living areas typically located in the backyard of a home. They can serve as rental units, home offices, or extra living spaces for family members.
  • Second-Story Additions. This involves adding a second story to your existing home and expanding your living space without occupying additional yard space. Second-story additions often include additional bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas.
  • Multi-Room Expansions. Multi-room expansions add multiple rooms to your home, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or living areas. This type of addition is suitable for families requiring additional space but not wanting to move to a larger residence.
  • Individual Room Additions. Individual room additions involve expanding a single room in your home. This is a great option for homeowners who need more space for a specific purpose, such as a home office, gym, or playroom for the kids.

With the home addition types out of the way, it’s time to look at the costly mistakes you want to avoid when making an addition.

Not Setting a Realistic Budget

When planning an addition to your home, the first pitfall to avoid is not setting a realistic budget. It’s easy to get carried away by your dream design, but everything comes at a price. Ensure you cover every detail, from fixtures to finishes.

Neglecting to Hire a Professional

Attempting to carry out a home addition project without professional help can lead to costly mistakes down the line. It is a complex undertaking that requires careful thought and consideration, which is why it’s best to leave the job to the experts. Start by searching “general contractor near me” online and look for trusted and experienced remodelers.

Ignoring Local Building Codes and Permits 

Local building codes and permits are more than bureaucratic paperwork. They’re about ensuring your home addition is safe and legal. Overlooking these can lead to hefty fines and even a request to undo the work! As professionals, we are well-versed in these regulations and ensure your project remains compliant.

Overlooking the Impact on Property Value

It’s crucial to remember that not all home additions will add value to your property. Poorly executed or overly ambitious projects may lower it. We help you make informed decisions that add to your home’s aesthetic and monetary value.

Let’s Get Started!

Adding onto your home is an exciting endeavor, but if you’re not careful, it’s easy to commit mistakes that might cost you. You can minimize such errors by working with a reputable contractor like DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Elizabethtown. We take pride in our distinctive, full-service remodeling approach that focuses on serving our clients from design through installation.

To obtain a detailed kitchen estimate or discuss your home addition plans with us, call (717) 452-4942, or visit our contact page to start a conversation. We serve homeowners in Elizabethtown, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Manheim, and other nearby communities.

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